Governor Henry McMaster today announced that restaurants throughout South Carolina will be allowed to reopen for limited dine-in services beginning on Monday, May 11.

Additionally, Governor McMaster announced that he has lifted all boating restrictions, as defined by Executive Order 2020-25, effective immediately. All laws and regulations concerning the safe operation of boats in South Carolina will now return to normal.

The governor’s announcement follows two weeks of meetings of accelerateSC – a group created by the governor to develop a coordinated economic revitalization plan which includes healthcare professionals, representatives from large and small businesses, local government officials, and education professionals.

Based on advice and recommendations from the “Response” component of accelerateSC, which includes input from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA), Governor McMaster has established guidelines for restaurants to follow if and when they choose to open for dine-in services. Those guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Only allow 50% of posted occupancy inside, as determined by fire marshals
• Tables should be spaced 6-8 feet apart
• Additional cleaning and sanitizing guidelines for equipment, tables, chairs, etc.
• Additional guidance for health checks for all employees
• Social distancing guidance for employees and customers, including recommended

For a full list of guidelines, click here.